Ian Wright says he's "seen it all" after controversial moment in Liverpool win

01 January 2024 , 22:45

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Ian Wright says he's "seen it all" after controversial moment in Liverpool win

Ian Wright claimed he has now "seen it all" after Diogo Jota appeared to turn down the chance to score and instead went down to win a penalty to seal Liverpool's win over Newcastle United.

The Reds were good value for their three points, putting in a stellar display as they saw off the out of form Magpies at Anfield. Mohamed Salah scored two of their four, his second coming from the spot late in the game as Martin Dubravka bought down Jota.

The Liverpool substitute was sent through and attempted to round the Newcastle goalkeeper. Replays showed there was contacted but Jota appeared able to slot home despite being knocked off balance, but chose to hit the turf as Anthony Taylor pointed to the spot.

Wright, a prolific marksman for Arsenal, was left stunned that the Portugal international made the decision he did. He said on social media: "Would rather go down for a penalty than put the ball in an empty net! Seen it all!"

Carragher said similar as he said: "Why didn’t he just put it in!!!!!" Former Chelsea captain John Terry was more scathing as he commented: "How on earth is that a penalty? Shocking dive! The worst thing is VAR give it?"

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He handed Salah the chance to convert from the spot with the Egyptian missing a penalty earlier in the first-half. He didn't make the same mistake twice as he scored Liverpool's fourth - becoming the first man to miss and score a spot kick since Steven Gerrard in a 3-0 win at Manchester United in March 2014.

Diogo Jota appeared to take several strides before going down for his penalty (Getty Images)

Earlier in the game Luis Diaz was fouled in front of the Kop with Taylor pointing to the spot. Both penalties proved somewhat divisive with Gary Neville commenting that Diaz and Jota took several strides before deciding to go down.

Eddie Howe commented: "I didn't think the second one was a penalty and I thought Sean Longstaff's just beforehand was." He went on to say: "For me that shouldn't be given, he's had two steps before he's gone down so its not a penalty. Even the first one, I can see why its given, but the contact is so minimal."

Samuel Meade